RSL exceeds expectations after almost 40 years

THE Nanango RSL club seems like it's been a part of the South Burnett community from the beginning, however it wasn't until 1982 that it was petitioned to first come to town.

In a report published in the South Burnett Times on March 3, 1982, Nanango's then president of the RSL Sub-Branch, Hugh Cross, said he would like to have a licensed club built and operating by the end of that year.

To assist with the costs, a buy a brick campaign was decided on, where all brick donors would be acknowledged on a list.

After the announcement, membership for the Nanango sub-branch was open, and according to the report, over 20 people joined that weekend.

Mr Cross had the original goal of 500 members, made of both returned servicemen as well as the general public.

To get to this level, they offered a special deal for the first 100 members, mentioning how they would be the foundation members of the club.

Current Nanango RSL manager Sheena Lindholm said after these almost 40 years, the RSL has gone above and beyond Mr Cross' expectations, with their current membership count being 3033 people.

"This level of engagement is amazing for our town, and that's just our members, not even counting the walk-ins," she said.

Since opening, Ms Lindholm said the Nanango RSL had always been a community place as time has gone on, and it reflects on their membership.

"It's important for us to continue putting on family orientated events... and to provide avenues of connection for those living at home alone," she said.